Hong Kong-listed developer Country Garden has brushed off concerns about a Chinese government clamp down on property buyers, snapping up a $400 million land parcel on the outskirts of Melbourne for a project with over 4,000 houses.

One of China’s most prolific overseas acquirers, the airlines-and-hotels conglomerate HNA Group, is drastically slowing its deal-making, suggesting that a Beijing government crackdown on debt might be crimping its global ambitions.

Australian dollar surges past US78¢ to a two-year high after disappointing US economic data

The Courier Mail, 16 July 2017

The Aussie traded as high as US78.34¢ on Friday night, up from a low of US76.75¢ the previous day. The spike came as the greenback slumped to a 10-month low after US inflation and retail figures missed market expectations.

Infant formula maker Bellamy's Australia Ltd said it has requested an extension of a share trading halt as it seeks more information about China's decision to suspend the import licence of its newly-acquired Australian cannery.

The world’s largest lithium ion battery, to be built in South Australia in a joint project by US billionaire Elon Musk’s company Tesla, will unlock more investment in renewable energy in the state, Premier Jay Weatherill says.

Australia has recorded a significant “bounce-back” in renewable energy investment in the second quarter of 2017, with $1.5 billion poured into big solar and wind projects from April to June, a 77 per cent year-on-year increase.

An almost 20 per cent fall in global energy investment over the past three years could lead to oil and electricity shortages and there are concerns about whether current business models will encourage sufficient levels of spending in the future, according a new international report.

Retail & Tourism

China frees Crown Resorts workers, including 2 Australians

ABC News, 12 July 2017

China on Wednesday released 10 employees of Australia's Crown Resorts Ltd., including two Australian citizens, after they completed nine months in prison for organizing gambling tours in violation of China's strict gaming laws.

More international retailers will set up shop in Australia over the coming years while offshore brands that have already arrived will expand into more cities, ­according to research from real estate giant CBRE.

Australian malls turn to village life as local retailers feel pinch from global rivals

Straits Times, 16 July 2017

SYDNEY (AFP) - As Australia's local merchants struggle with an influx of global names, leading malls are considering returning to their village centre roots to woo new tenants by moving away from shops and offering medical facilities, more restaurants and even amusement parks.

As if net users weren’t anxious enough about their social media follower count, Xi’an-based users of microblogging platform Weibo now have to register with the authorities if they have more than 30,000 fans.